Rolex King & Queen Midas Set Reference 4315 & 4313

The King Midas was the most expensive Rolex by far at retail in the 1960s and 1970s. Starting in the 1970s, Rolex changed the dial to have Cellini instead of Midas in Greek on the dial and also introduced the smaller Queen Midas model. The King Midas has been closely associated with Elvis Presley, who is photographed holding one, and more recently with Rihanna, who wore a customized model for her pregnancy announcement.

This set was purchased new in the 1970s by a husband and wife, who had them engraved on the case back with each other’s names. Although it would be possible to split them up, it feels more just to keep the set together. I have not seen another set like this for sale and it would be the ultimate couple gift. Most King and Queen Midas watches were produced in yellow gold, with very few in white gold.

The watches are in fantastic condition and unpolished, with the original finish maintained on both timepieces. The integrated bracelets and deployant buckles are extremely firm with additional links.

It is said that Gérald Genta designed these watches and they certainly seemed to be part of the evolution of integrated watch design that led to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, IWC Ingenieur 1832, and Patek Philippe Nautilus.

The gentleman’s Rolex is a reference 4315 and features the manual wind calibre 651. The lady’s timepiece is a reference 4313 powered by a calibre 650.

SOLD